of Shirley, AR
February 26, 1948 - August 20, 2022
Earl Chusion Newton, Jr., age 74, passed away on August 20, 2022 at his home in Shirley, AR. He was born on February 26, 1948 in Fredericksburg, VA to the late Earl Newton, Sr. and Ruby Whatley. On July 29, 1977, Earl married Melinda Inman in Memphis, TN.
Earl grew up in Enterprise, AL where he graduated high school. He entered the Marine Corps after high school. He was a combat veteran who volunteered for two tours in Vietnam and received two Purple Hearts.
He served as President of the Fairfield Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Mall Merchants Association. He was a member of the Lions Club and Rotary. He was a Shriner and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.
Earl is survived by his wife, Melinda of Shirley, AR. Four children: Shane Newton (Jessica) of Fairfield Glade, TN; Tera (Jody) Newton-Litaker of Shirley, AR; Elisha (Shawn) Newton-Moeller of Vilonia, AR and Blake (Tamara) Newton of Shirley, AR. Several grandchildren: Grant Newton, Clay Bullard, Tyler (Seraiah) Bullard, Jacob Litaker, Jaile Litaker, Hayden Moeller, Hailey Moeller, Madison Moeller, Riley Newton, Eliana Bullard and Kaylee Croom. Sister-in-law and family, Lisa Inman, Alex Inman and Addison Bilskey.
He is preceded in death by Jo Ann and Dick Inman.
Visitation will be from 11:00am-1:00pm at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, AR on Friday, August 26th. A military service will follow visitation at 1:00pm. The family encourages those that would like to wear red in honor of: Remember Everyone Deployed (RED), to do so.
In lieu of flowers, donate to Toys for Tots (18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172) or National Brain Tumor Society (55 Chapel St, Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458).
"Grief never ends but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Grief is the price you pay for love".
Earl was a very passionate person. He was "all in" on anything he chose to do. His priorities were his family, his friends and his country - a Marine through and through. He quickly taught us all, "Once a Marine, always a Marine". He served his country well and was dedicated to supporting troops. "RED on Friday" (Remember Everyone Deployed), was a mantra to him and his regular post on Facebook to educate others of its meaning.
Earl loved to work. He had an old school work ethic. Whether that was managing land, cattle, horses, or running a grocery store - he did not know how to not work. Well, until he retired, and then not working seemed to suit him just fine.
He loved nature. Whether it was a garden, plants, or flowers, his ability to grow things was unbelievable. He had a talent for nature photography, capturing nature in breathtaking ways on his many hikes or rides. He also loved worms.
Earl loved river rides. Whether that was in one of his trucks or his 4-wheeler, alone or with family and friends, he could stay gone all day, exploring or experiencing new adventures. No dirt roads were left untraveled and no rock left unturned by Earl in our area of Arkansas.
He loved to make things. Whether it was a shed, a garden, fences, or rock walls, he enjoyed working with his hands. But he was most famous for his homemade wine and pickles.
Earl loved music. If he was awake, his playlist was on. Would it be rock, lofi, pop, easy listening, or death metal next? You never knew because it was all on there.
He loved the Alabama Crimson Tide.
He loved conspiracy theories and YouTube.
He loved to play Castle Age.
He loved his cats, Ringer and Taz.
Most importantly, the people loved, he loved them fiercely. Sharing the things he loved with the people he loved was how he lived his life. Earl will be missed.
Roll Tide
Semper Fi
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32 Condolence(s)
Mary BoinSo sorry to hear of
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Sorry to hear of the passing of Earl, I am a first cousin to him ,prayers for his family.
Mark and Teresa Hodnett
Saturday, September 3, 2022
So sorry to hear about Earl's passing. He was a great mentor and friend. He taught me a great deal about Marines and retail grocery.
Prayers for the family.
Thank you for your service Earl.
Russell Johnson
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
May your memories of Earl comfort you in the near and distant days.
Gundy Britt Roberts
Monday, August 29, 2022
You will be missed by Brenda and Me. I’m sorry we missed you last year on our way to Branson when you had Covid and we only got to talk on the phone.
Becky Bradford Guthrie
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Melinda and Family, so sorry for your loss, your family has and always will have a special place in the hearts of our family. So many great memories, treasure and share them, he will live on in your hearts forever. Love and hugs to all.
Wayne & Carole Rainey
Friday, August 26, 2022
To the Newton Family :
We were so very sorry to hear about Earl's passing. Earl and I went to school together at EHS and were good friends in our younger years. All of you are in our warmest thoughts and prayers ! We love ya'll and GOD bless ya'll !
Beverly Lawson
Friday, August 26, 2022
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Just know that he is no longer in pain and that you will see him again one day.
Lisa Hackett
Friday, August 26, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Earl would stop by downtown from time to time to chat. He was always so nice to me. He always would share words of encouragement. He will be missed. Our Prayers for your family.
Linda Allen
Friday, August 26, 2022
Tera , Jody and all of your family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Alesa Collins
Friday, August 26, 2022
Melinda, Shane, Tera, Elisha and Blake, my deepest sympathies for ur time of the loss of Earl. He was a wonderful man, friend, neighbor and former boss. I had the utmost respect for him. He set a great example in life for us all to follow. I will have ur family in my thoughts and prayers as u go through this time of grief.
Beth Phillips
Thursday, August 25, 2022
I worked for Earl many many years ago. He was a great guy to work for. I remember I had just gotten married and he heard me talking one day about wanting to start a family . He knew I had no insurance so he figured out away to get me put on insurance through work. That meant the world to me. Prayers for all the family. Such a great guy.
Dana Bohannon
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Melinda I’m so sorry. May you all find comfort in his service to our great nation. I know he was well thought of in your community and he was loved by his children and you.ðŸ™â™¥ï¸
Mary Kaye Weaver
Thursday, August 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss. He served his country well and was very much appreciated. Prayers for your family as you go through your loss.
Kay Geer
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Sorry for your loss
Justin Wallace
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Melinda and family.
All of my love to you guys during this difficult time. I always looked up to Earl. Especially after my time in the service. He was a great man in my eyes. A patriarch, provider and protector. He will be greatly missed.
I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, - Justin and the Wallace Family.
Melissa (Bolden) Johnson
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Sending my condolences and lifting you all up in prayer for comfort, peace and strength.
Rory & Staci Bradley
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Melinda, Shane, Tera, Alisha, Blake: we are sorry for your loss. One of our earliest memories is working for him and Melinda at the IGA as young teenagers. He was always kind & funny and always treated us with respect. Always will be a fond memory for the both of us. May your family be filled with peace and comfort. Rory & Staci
Cherel Chilton
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
What a wonderful tribute! I feel like I got a real glimpse of his whole personality reading this and I know there is a story involving worms that I need to hear! Elisha and family, I pray memories of happier times sustain you in the days to come.
Kasey Kimmons
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Sending condolences to the Newton family . I believe Earl may have traveled our farm more than I ever have. An avid bird watcher and lover of the Ozark forests, Earl had a special relationship with these hills. I will miss seeing him and my deepest regrets go out to his family in their time of loss.
Phil and Julie Finley
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
We are so deeply sorry to hear of your dad’s passing Elisha and family. We never knew him, but I know he was a good man and a great father for raising such a beautiful woman such as our dear Elisha. Sweetheart, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please reach out if there’s anything we can do to ease your pain. Love you very much.
Deborah Kerrigan
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Earl's passing, a lot my sympathy for the family. He was quite a character and will be missed.
Rebecca Johnson
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for family.
Jewel James Eady
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
My sincere sympathy extended to the family. I know he will be missed in your lives.
Mary Ann Conley
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a good person. My prayers are going up for God’s peace!
Paul and Lynn neal
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Melinda, Tera we are saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved husband and dad.
Our hearts prayers and love are with you at this most sad time.
Regina Adams
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Hey Tera I am so sorry for your loss
Jody Bane
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
What can I say about Earl. He was a rare breed. He went to Vietnam as a Senior Trip !!! So much love for his Country. When he & his wife came to Fairfield Bay it was never the same. They worked hard to improve our community, helping so many folks. Always helping the school, employ kids, & if you know his children they have the same great work ethic. I have the utmost respect for Earl & Melinda . I love all you kids. Forever your friend. Jody Bane
Jenny Shamburger
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Melinda my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. I have many good memories from our time as neighbors in the mall . . . Not sure we ever had Earl's blessing when you took on the phone book project but he loved his work!! He will be missed. . .RIP
Doris & Benny Brown
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Hugs, prayers and our deepest condolences for you Belinda, Shane, Blake and Atari.
Tommy and Judy Collins
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Prayers for the family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Just know he is in a better place and you will see him again.
Tommy and Judy Collins
Patti Lowrance
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Tera and family, I am so very sorry about your loss. My daddy knew your daddy and was in Shrine with him. Please know that I am keeping all of you in prayer for God’s comfort and peace.
God Bless You,
Patti Lowrance
Bill and Serena Speaker
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
God’s blessings to all and hold your memories close as you learn to live without this remarkable man.